MAMNOON Hussain had barely settled into his office after taking oath as the Governor of Sindh when a thought crossed my mind: how wonderful it would be if I could secure his first interview. The idea had just taken shape when my phone rang. A familiar, warm laugh echoed from the other side: “Is everything alright, Farooq bhai?”

It was Nehal Hashmi. Our exchanges had always been marked by such ease. I replied in my usual manner, “All is well.” He told me he was at the Governor House and asked me to come over. I do not recall exactly where he was seated, but I do remember that as we were speaking, an ADC passed by. Nehal introduced me as a journalist there to interview the Governor. The ADC replied, in the typical official tone, that I did not have an appointment. Nehal calmly insisted, “He may not have an appointment, but he is here.”

The young officer, dressed in a crisp white uniform, went to seek permission and soon returned to escort us to the Governor’s chamber. As we walked, I asked Nehal what had prompted this. Smiling, he said that when he came to congratulate the Governor, he thought of me and called. I thanked........

© Pakistan Observer